Section 102 and Schedule 11 of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 legislate for the following changes to the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) appeals process:

 Under the new rules, due to be implemented from April 2013, claimants who wish to challenge a benefits decision will no longer be allowed to choose to lodge an appeal immediately.

 Instead, there will be a new requirement for claimants to request a revision of the original decision from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and have that request determined before launching the right to appeal to an independent tribunal.

 Only once the decision maker has either issued a revised decision, or decided that they cannot revise the decision, will the claimant be able to lodge their appeal.

 There will be no time limit on how long this process can take.

DPAC is very concerned at the harmful impact these changes will have on many claimants:

 The new bureaucratic tier in the appeal system has the potential to cause confusion for many claimants and lead them to make the wrong appeal to the wrong people at the wrong time, leading to inevitable problems with the payment of their benefits. Some disabled people may even withdraw from the appeals process altogether. The current appeal system is already a highly stressful, time-consuming process, resulting in considerable instability in many people’s lives and finances. The addition of a mandatory review stage, with all the attendant uncertainties, can only exacerbate these problems. DPAC is not convinced that the addition of a mandatory revision stage will in any way increase the efficiency of the system.

 This problem will be heightened by the fact that there is no statutory time limit for the revision stage. This could lead to indefinite delays to the process while the DWP revises the decision. There is already no time limit in the current system, so adding another stage can also maximise delays, with, once again, a corresponding adverse impact on the health and well-being of the claimant. This could be alleviated if there was a maximum set period for the review process. This would at least provide the claimant with some level of certainty.

 Around 40% of all WCA appeals are currently successful with 70% sucessful with representation which is a damning indictment of the quality of ATOS Healthcare’s initial assessment. Tragically and scandalously, many people who have initially been found fit for work have actually died before the appeals process was completed. With the extension of the time frame for appeals that this change will introduce, and no perceivable improvement in the WCA itself, this number can only rise even further.

 It is also unclear how the new process will deal with the payment of ESA during the new mandatory revision stage. Currently, a claimant appealing against a decision that they do not have a limited capability of work is able to continue to receive ESA at the assessment phase rate pending the outcome of their appeal. However, if the ESA Regulations are not amended, the position would be that claimants would have to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), and therefore comply with all the conditions associated with receipt of that benefit, or face receiving no benefit at all. Many claimants with severe conditions would simply be unable to fulfill the JSA conditions and therefore face a very real prospect of destitution. This would be inhumane and lead to a catastrophic increase in the amount of distress, poverty and debt many disabled people already suffer from. The Government should therefore, as a matter of urgency, provide clarification on whether it intends to allow ESA claimants to continue to receive ESA at the assessment rate while they undergo the mandatory revision stage.

 The fundamental problem is that the WCA process is itself fundamentally flawed and it this broken system that needs to be completely overhauled. The standard of the initial medical examination, and the information provided to the claimant on their WCA decision, need to be drastically improved before any needless tinkering with the appeals system is introduced.

The Government consulted on the implementation and operation on the appeals reform provisions from February to May this year. The consultation, though, did not ask for responses on whether the mandatory reconsiderations should be introduced. The Government revealed, in its interim response published in June, that it had received 154 responses to the consultation but indicated that it “does not propose to make any significant changes to the draft regulations included in the consultation document as a result of the comments received“. DPAC calls on the Government to publish a full response to this consultation as soon as possible so we can ascertain the evidential basis for this change and just how much support the proposed change has received from respondents.

118 Responses to “Changes to appealing ESA and DLA Decisions from April 2013”

I suffer from severe depression agoraphobia extreme anxiety and borderline personality disorder.
I haven’t left my bedroom since the 9th of December to see a psychotherapist.
I basically exist I have no family and only one friend .
I am in support group for esa and my two years is now up and I am due for a review.
I am worried sick as like others I have standing orders that go out of my bank each month .
I to am considering taking my tablets, what a disgusting in humane sadistic government we have.
Our lives are hard enough with out these nazis torturing us .
Can any one please tell me what a review after two years means.
Love and peace to all
Stay strong fight the nazis bastards!

Sam my friend I’m thinking the very same thing
safe journey dude . But. (allways a but)
this gov should be brought to justice pointless killing ourselfs .( my opinion they are doing what they like . And nobody can do a thing about it . Please there must be some one willing to take a swipe at them. . ANIMALS

So sorry to read the comments. Above what a total farce this Goverment is. I have been on appeal since dec 2012. I am afraid to call them as i am not fit to run to job. Centes i suffer panic attacks, Arthritis And am waiting for scan to see if i have Osteopsorsis. My money was cut , but seems to be going back to near normal. I Still dont know what to do as , I Am still on appeal.?

I Have many illnesses,an i had my money stopped in january an still do not know what happening with my esa,i been waiting on phone call for days now..my daughter brings my tea each day:bless her an she has 3 children on her own herself! ha,social asked her to lend me my bus fare to attend social to see what work i can do!!!!! hello:i would not be doing this.i have never felt so horrible in my life!!! gina

i have been in receipt of esa for 14 years went to Atos Meeting 18 months ago they said i was fit to work. i suffer with epilepsy and multiple brain injuries spanning my entire brain i need support daily. i was given a indefinite sick note from my gp before Atos but JCP say i am fine to work and are trying to make me look for work, where do i stand thanks

My letter said I was in zero pain and standing for two mins means I can sit or stand at a work station for a hour.
It also says I walked 20 meters to the assmeant from outside the building to the waiting room .the same waiting room I was made to Wait longer in for being early?.they then say I can cope with change,my choices where wait there or wait months for new date .there so called 20 meters means I can travel 200 meters in a wheel chair that I don’t use or with walking aids and have no discomfort .I also arrived alone as no one was in the waiting room with me,even though my friend waited outside in his taxi.I also walked down this 66 foot hall way with nothing wrong even though I was limping and stopped to rest .I also could kneal apparently with no pain even though I have had the cartlidge out of my right knee .I was in zero pain well he examined me,guess I imgened going ah and wincing ..

Hi I had a nasty road accident and suffered back injuries and I have black outs depression and self harm I reguly have taken overdoses and have behavior disorder along with mental health issuse’s , I have been on esa for over a year now and need help daily from family and close friend to complete day to day living and to make sure I don’t hurt myself when feeling depressed or have a black day or feel as if I’m going to ! I recently choose to try working but after 4 days I found myself feeling extremly poorly and choose to stop before I relasped . When I spoke to an advisor at the job center about my claim and my plan on he said if you feel you can work safely then close your claim after your first week and explain. I take anti depressents and have pain killer and pills to help me sleep plus I have a heart monitor but have been failed by the nhs and mental health tbeing monitored. I am feeling sucicidal once again and now my esa has not been payed I have not had any letters and I’m now worried that I have been miss informed and worry I have made a mistake in not telling whoever it is that I worked 4 days but stoipped for feeling unwell and confused . What should I do please help

One point, Your on esa because you have been deemed unfit for work and this is a proven fact,

Some unqualified person from atos deems you fit for work based on a set of unrelated questions on a computer for which they change your answers to suit themselves anyway ( Fact you are still ill and unfit for work )

You appeal and they say you cant claim an appeal rate however you have to be put on JSA while your appeal is running its course, Whilst your appeal is running its course you will be expected to make a claim for JSA and meet all its requirements for payment ( Fact you are still unfit and too ill to work )

on any form from DWP there is a declaration stating if you give ANY! false or misleading information it is an offense, So by claiming JSA whilst you are unfit to do so and declaring that you are fit for work when you are medically proven not to be surely would constitute giving misleading and false information to claim JSA???

I’ve just won my esa appeal, got put in support group by tribunal, got my letter from benefits saying “we cannot pay you esa because of lack of national insurance contributions”
If put in support group how can they not?

Here’s a good one for you, I’m appealing against the ATOS decision and have been awaiting a notification to say when I would go in front of the appeals court to state my case. I’ve just received a letter from the court saying not only did I not turn up but they’ve also ruled on my case and decided I’m not ill and that they’re satisfied that I was informed of the court date, not only did I not receive any such notification, they made no attempt to contact me and confirm my knowledge of the court appointment(I keep all correspondence regarding my illness, ongoing appeal materials, etc in one place), at the precise time I was supposedly meant to be at the appeal, I was actually seeing a neurosurgeon who was explaining to me how he was going to have to do major surgery on my spine to remove a tumour growing inside my nerve bundle.

E.T.
How disgusting of this insidious rotten, callous DWP, who do not give a toss. They are so corrupt and evil it stinks. They will do anything to carry on the disability DENIAL campaign. They are getting worse. This is Unum Provident at work at their best. Now IDS is trying to GET RID of WRAG group. I too have lost my ESA. Have oesto arthritis, need operation too. Its been a constant battle all year now. In poverty real bad. Keep fighting E.T. do not give up.

These new rules are a complete entrapment, manifested by career politicians, from priveliged backgrounds, who possess little knowledge of real life or understanding of the misery of pain and suffering, for those truly unable to work and who require every ounce of determination and energy to simply function.

They have no duty of care for the people, they do not represent real and actual needs or the interests of the greater population.

We live in a mock democracy, in fact the mere suggestion of a functioning democracy is an oxymoron. Smoke and mirrors.

Britain has always been at the forefront of slavery, the chains of constraint are no longer leg irons, but financial manipulation and control mechanisms. Protected by the exagerated creation of terrorism and the creation of laws proventing civil unrest or protest.

It’s a fix – ATOS – new appeals process, adding time and delay due to increased process with no requirement of time fulfilment and acute financial hardship forcing those who really cannot work, to declare in desperation a capability, simply to fund survival.

This is tantamount to a criminal conspiracy by the politically corrupt, who’s only interests are that of big business, behind which are the super rich, old and new money, who view the population at large with no greater regard than cattle, the national herd. This Government will put in place a regime that will effectivly produce crimes against humanity.

They will sail through at the next election and with an unfettered majority, there will be much more shocking changes to social resposibility and welfare.

WHY are these laws not being challenged at the European Court of Human Rights? WHO will protect the most vulnerable in society?

WHERE is the challenge? Their is no effective opposition, Clegg sold out, Balls and Milliband are a joke. Is there anyone who can represent the spectrum of social needs, in a fair and just manner, WHERE is the balance? And no access to legal aid for welfare issues anymore = no access to justice.

It’s medievil.

Perhaps the DWP should just issue syanide pills, because if you are too ill, disabled or injured, to work, you are simply not required.

i have spondylosis ,arthritis in both hands ,metal plates in my heel and a metal rod in my thigh they say im fit for work as well ,where will this all end ,and further to the above comment in a conversation to dwp staff one day i remarked we mabye should just kill ourselves and i was told yes that is mabye what you should do,REALLY !!! this kind of attitude is what we are up against.

I went to ATOS for a fit to work assessment on 21/2/2013 and was deemed fit to work. My doctor gave me sick notes so as not to be bothered by the Nazi Smiths elite. I have been to a tribunal today 21/10/2013 has taken a long time but have won my appeal. Don’t know what is going to happen but will have to see. Ask your Dr to give you sick notes if you are going to appeal a decision at a later date. Same money as JSA but they will stay of your back as long as the sick notes cover you. Hope this helps anyone. CaMoron Ian C***ing Smith etc (all scum together) deserve to be on a charge of manslaughter. Best wishes to everyone fighting these lowlife scum.

I myself suffer from borderline personality disorder, along with server depression and self harm at the age of 20!!, I have found this process taunting!! I was so taunted by the fact of going to tribunals and fighting my case, i forced my self into work! Which caused great stress into my life!! I was taking constant panic attacks, and self very annoyed with my self as I wasn’t getting the help I needed, One day in despair and having a very bad day, I walked out of work, I have no been left nearly 5 weeks without money even with having a 12 week sick line from the doctor stating my condition and awaiting a second psychiatric appointment, I feel as if people with mental health issues are just ignored, and most of them end up very lonely and feeling trapped without any money or help! I think the term fit to work (Physically) isn’t right, if you are unable to work mentally, Which trust me is very hard with all these thoughts and anxiety running through your head!! The Government really isn’t doing enough to insure that the mental health cases put towards Employment support are properly looked at by mental health professionals, And if the case comes where we aren’t entitled to Employment support surly we are entitled to disability allowance. This whole change in the system as lifted my feeling mentally unstable and very trapped, I’ve even been refused Welfare Help (Food..And Tokens), Because I’m not on Benefits even though I have been refused them.

Hello everyone, I suffer from panic attack, agoraphobic and depredation. I was ruled out by atos to be in esa work related activity group so the advisor calls me every 2 weeks to help me get back to work, I always ask my friends and family to help and take me to the job centre for the focus interviews as terrified to be there buy I have to be so that they don’t stop the benefit as I have a wife and 2 kids to support. For the last 2 weeks I have not been well at all, suffering from migraine and generally feeling weak and sick. I had an appointment with the advisor on Thursday and I genuinely couldn’t go so I called her to tell her that I can not come to this appointment because I am unwell, she told me ok no problem come on Tuesday which is today then she said if you don’t come on this day, your benefit will be stopped. Well I am still very sick today and worried that if I call her to say I am not coming to the appointment that she will stop my benefit as she said over the phone .
Any help and advise please on this I would appreciate it. Thank you

My situation is one that I feel stitched up good and proper. I was on ESA contribution based and last year passed for ESA contribution based and was put in the WRAG until April 2013 but like many, It was not paid as I had had the 365 days worth and my “money” stopped in July, 2012. I could not have managed without money so I was invited to the jobcentre (with on-going health problems both mental and physical) for a work related interview. At this interview I had stated about my undiagnosed problems as my interview was on an upper floor and I was told that I could be fit for work. At this time I was awaiting a mouth biopsy and I also had a severe undiagnosed ear problem. The jobcentre KNEW of my on going problems but encouraged me to take on work and I knew I had to have some sort of income or we would be at risk of losing our home, something I really could not cope with on top of everything else.

Anyway, I found myself a small job and it was within a few minutes walk from where I lived and I knew I had no choice other than to be placed in an unpaid job with the jobcentre perhaps. I just could not have coped with this. I had only a few months previous to this had 3 cancer scares back to back and it was then I had what I would call a breakdown but I carried on regardless and went into work claiming the return to work credit and also the disability element of tax credits as I was disadvantaged at getting a job. My ESA claim was then closed.

Within 2 months of starting work I was having on-going doctors visits for me ear problem and eventually after over 12 months with symptoms from my ear and various treatments that had not worked I was sent to the hospital on an urgent appointment which was on the 2 week wait. I never had time off work due to this as my job was part time and was actually good for my mental health as I really did want to work as I was lonely but not for my physical health it seemed. Anyway after seeing a consultant at the hospital I was then and there diagnosed with a serious ear condition that required surgery and it was complicated risky surgery but I was assured that the risks of the surgery were far better than to leave my condition to do more damage and I was at risk of a paralysed face due to my tumour being virtually on my face nerve and close to my brain.

I was devastated at the time, I was waiting then for a ct scan to see how to approach my surgery and also I still had to have my mouth biopsied and this was done a couple of month later. I had the biopsy and then I had my surgery for my ear. This was far more complicated than first thought and it seemed it had eaten lots of bone and I ended up with a large piece of my own skull taken to fill a cavity where the tumour had damaged and also I had a new ear canal attempted and my eardrum. BUT I ended up with a paralysed face on the opposite side due to a condition that was extremely rare and had a cause that was most probably STRESS related. I then lost my job due to time off (5 weeks in all) because of my surgery.

I then tried to claim ESA again but was told that as I had closed down my old claim and it was now 6 months later since closing it I could not go back onto my old claim and that I had to make a new claim. I was then told that even if I got into the support group for the new claim I would now only get NI credits as it was not linked claim. I am now left with nothing, If I had not been encouraged to go and find work by the jobcentre then within a couple of months of having just NI credits I would have no doubt been assessed under worsening of conditions and placed into the support group and getting money by now. Because I had worked for 6 months trying to help myself and putting myself at extreme risk I ended up with a paralysed face, nerve damage and a worsening of depression and anxiety and no chance of ever being able to claim ESA again.

FIGHT THEM BACK WHEN THEY HIT US COUNTER ATTACK THIS WILL BE OUR HISTORY AND OUR VICTORY CRIP I MAYBE A WALK OVER NO F!!!!ING WAY ON MY GRAVESTONE IT WILL SAY WE WON THE LAST RED UNDER THE BED NOT BY A LONG WAY

The whole ESA system is broken and beyond repair. IDS if he worked in the private sector would be sacked and possibly held liable for the deaths of the people who have been assessed fit for work and those who have the committed suicide due to stress of having to deal with the DWP, but sadly as a politician this cannot happen.
I personally am a “victim” on this new rule regarding appealing DWP decisions. I had my ESA stopped for non attendance of a WCA, i might add that I never received any such notice about a WCA, I completed a reply form giving my reasons, i received a reply basically saying tough we dont believe you. I then wrote to them asking for a decision maker to review their decision, after 2 weeks i chased up a decision to be told they had no record of my letter and could i resend it, my cpn then faxed a copy over. I chased up 2 weeks later and was told that the decision was not being reversed and that i had been notified by post and my options to appeal, i have never received this letter. I then submitted my appeal form together with extra information. I have recently received a letter telling me that it has gone to a decision maker, again, prior to submitting it the tribunal service. This has taken 9 weeks up to now and that is also 9 weeks without money.
the twist to my story is that I have been told by the DWP that i will not have my esa restored until i have a WCA, so my appeal is basically for the right to have a WCA to be possibly told i am fit for work, because ATOS are as useless as the DWP, and then I will go through it all again to appeal against that decision.
I am convinced that the system is designed to put people off going through with their appeals and will therefore for whatever reason drop of the radar this will of course show as a drop in people claiming certain benefits, it is all about stats and numbers and Im sorry to paraphrase a classic tv series “I am not a number”

hi im hoping someone can help my friend was put into the work related catagory of ESA in january 2012 as he did not get enough points we have been told that he can still appeal this far on is that right? his last appeal was not good he suffers depression anxiety and paranoia he is also suffering the beginings of emphasemia.Since his last appeal he has suffered a heart attack which has had a bad impact on his deppresion can anybody please tell me if this is right about appealing and how to go about it as all the change to the system has left me confused with what to do thanks..

These are very heartless evil people, I have depression and am on 5 anti depressants a day and I too will not want to be here if my benefits get cut anymore, I’m already in arrears with this bedroom tax…….

hi im kind of new to all this. got IB years ago, lost it 2002 (atos lied; 3 pts) tribunal :got it back (17pts).
5 years later they tried it again, but when i said i wanted to bring along my CPN they reconsidered and said would review me in 5 years ie 2012. just got my esa50 today.
it is scaring the bejeezuz out of me (based on last time and all the new twists IDS/DWP/ATOS have done since then). my carer, cpn and gp(psychiatric specialist) have all said a face to face for me would be hugely damaging to my fragile mental health (both MH and phys h have declined hugely in last 10 years) .
my cpn will do the form (i pray – he did last time) but i have heard that there is a letter that can be attached by GP &/or CPN etc stating about danger to my MH.
i’m confused (sooo much conflicting and old info out there), is this letter the same as the ‘special circumstances (clauses 25 ,31, 29 and 35) ?? also who should compose this ? GP or CPN .
with huge help from carer cpn et al, i want to try to get this right. can someone please clarify??
also is this stuff about appeals from 1/4/13 true? ie endless reconsideration before appeal & no money at all?
if so god help us all.

HELP.. i won my esa appeal on 15th may 2013 after waiting 7 months for it to be heard. i scored 27 points and was put in the support group and not to be assessed again for at least 2 years.Here i am five weeks later and they are saying they are considering grounds to appeal against the appeal judges decision. They wont tell me whats happening and im a nervous wreck as im afraid they are going to snatch away all my backdated money that i won. i have logged 32 calls to them, they promise me call backs but do not call me. can anyone advise me on what to do please, its making me more ill than i already am. thanks regards julie

Plainly David Cameron and his ilk have no clue!!. how the**** are people with severe mental health issues going to cope, they bloody well wont!! and are the dwp going the make people aware of these changes in a manner that will enable them( or their carers) to act appropriately. and let us not forget that support services are dwindling in tandem. in other words. there will be less funding available for necessary adaptations to enable people to carry out work on a par with their able bodied counterparts. it will be more difficult ( if not virtually impossible) to seek legal redress for exploitation. case in point. a person was deemed”fit to work” said person was subsequently employed with pay for two days work per week. a few weeks further along that person was called into the office and told ” sorry we cannot continue to retain you as a paid employee but we can offer you a full time UNPAID position. “, now, there is a not so widely known clause in the ESA rules which states in essence that if one accepts a position as an unpaid employee. THEY LOSE THEIR ENTITLEMENT TO ESA!! what we are witnessing is a scenario I predicted publicly 4 years ago. my viewpoint was dismissed out of hand at the time. I don’t think it will be so readily dismissed today judging by the mounting evidence.

my husband blind in right eye & patially sighted in left due to glaucoma,he in constant pain due to blisters in eyes and cornea failure , recieved zero points and lost his appeal now claiming jsa jobcentre say it a joke even they can see pain he in he had a operation last week he constantly at moorfields in london, they say get legal advice what is point they having everyone off dla by 2017 it a joke

just contacted dla about my appeal all ready been waiting 6 months been told today 0/03/2013 that all the estamated times they have given out are wrong and they are implimating a new system and i could expect to wait another 12 to 18 months so its getting worse

I to have many health problems. Psoriatic arthritis, chronically high blood pressure, and a few other nastys to add to the mix. My Atos Medical is on wednesday 6th 2013 in Devon. I feel very worried and scared about it. I have so many problems with my health that it is unbearable enough to live as it is. Then I see they are changing it again on the appeal process!. Everyday I awake sad and upset that I am still hear, The only thing that keeps me going is my lovelly wife and grown up children. before this illness I used to be a supervisor for british rail. Before it all got privatised. and I often worked 18 hour shifts and payed my taxes in for many many years. I have been ill for ten years and as time has gone on I have become deformed and look like I have Leprosy. Going out is very hard for me and being seen by others is even harder. If I am sent back to work I am done for. I shall not have the strengh to appeal. The only public transport I shall be traveling by is under a Train. When I get to the other side My first question will be. Why were this new government allowed to dispose of the sick and vulrenable in such wicked and insensitive ways. And I shall try and haunt them all. Peace out all

It happened to me 12 years ago under the old All Work Test. Refused benefits by incapacity benefits and then by JSA. Got nothing. Luckily wife was working PT and I had war disablement pension.. So we starved for a while. Then a few years later along came working tax credit. I started a business from home, keyboard skills only, and got maximum WTC.

I don’t know what the transitional arrangements are for WTC in which they will assume an income equivalent to Min wage. But at a push it might be worth researching as an alternative to destitution.

I don’t know how this government hold their heads up, with cuts to people whose homes are deemed too big, tax breaks scheduled in the next few weeks for those earning over £150,000 a year and major tax avoidance tolerated it’s shameful.
I’m just so thankful that we have such excellent people fighting back for us. They deserve a medal.

I think Ed Milburn is really growing into his role now and will make an excellent next PM.

i’m going through the appeal process, i have cervical spondylosis, i’m in constant pain, numbness in my hands etc and got awarded zero points. i am very stressed, in alot of pain, i get bouts of alapecia and currently have lost alot of hair recently and have thinning eyebrows. i don’t even know how long i will be waiting for a reply to my appeal and the whole thing is really wearing me down now and on top of that i feel terrible for having my condition

I have just had my review. Sad to say, they have decided in their ultimate wisdom to take me from indefinite to taking everything away. I have psoriatic arthritis and a heart condition, walking is very painful i cant sit for too long or stand for too long. My dla and my motability car gave me a bit of freedom. That has now been taken away, I shall be housebound and feel like stopping taking my tablets because what is the point if i am rarely going to see the outside world. I am being cut off thanks to the ever caring government – NOT. I hope these bastards never get in again.

Quite simply, we have sadists in this coalition. Iain Duncan Smith has lost the war with the exploitive/slave work programme, and many retail outlets have dropped out of it, in case they are rightfully sued. Now IDS is fuming (typical narcissistic response) and wants to hinder the appeals process in retaliation. This very vindictive man is hell bent on causing as much anguish/worry as he possibly can to disabled/ill people, just to get his own nasty way. Be glad if all Tory/Liberals lose their seats at the next general election. They are truly vile.

Sarah , I am glad people are now becoming aware, we are dealing with NARCISSISTS. They have a tendancy to scapegoat and pick on the weak. Destroy even! No empathy, what so ever. Start smear campaigns. Everyone must stick together, come together, make sure everyone is O K has enough food etc. a shoulder to cry on. PLEASE anyone who is desperate please do not do anything silly. Become aware of what you are dealing with. I fear it will get worse before it gets better. The ESA end, and JSA start, is a DOUBLE BIND No win situation for people who are too poorly. Research!!!, get mentally strong, and find help if you are suffering. We must all stick together now, and fight!!!! Try to relax if you can, I know stress is bad for health, very bad!!!! This is a great informative website, bringing everyone together. Everyone here, no one must give up!!! Your life is worth fighting for!!!

very well said , to the people who are feeling weak stand up and be stronger there is always some one to help and support you lets fight back together . If people were strong enough to stand together years ago when the miners were out on strike it would have been so different now so lets all wake up and do some thing about it Now.

I have recently had an assessment and had my DLA withdrawn. But they have disallowed it for the last 10 years and are now telling me I have to pay lots of money back.
I have relapsing remitting MS and because I haven’t had a full relapse for that long they are saying I wasn’t entitled.
I was left with nerve damage after my last relapse meaning I can’t walk too far, stand too long or lift anything heavy. I suffer from fatigue and my balance is poor. I have also had numerous problems caused by MS in the meantime any of which could have signaled a relapse which have meant I was unable to care for myself.
They knew my condition was relapsing remitting so why if they were only interested in the times I was actually relapsing was I granted it indefinitely when I first applied and I answered all questions starting with the sentence ‘when in relapse’
Can they actually claim all this money back from me on the advice of a man who met me for 30 mins, clearly knew nothing about MS and asked me nothing about the last 10 years ?
I have asked them to reconsider (they won’t have received my letter yet) but I received a letter telling me how much I had to pay back (it would take more than my lifetime !) and to contact the debt collectors – I am now very stressed which is making my symptoms worse !

Last September I had an ATOS Assessment and was deemed fit for work after this assessment which when I got the ESA85 back was full of lies, an absolute tissue of lies about me. In October of last year I put in a GL24 to state that I wished to appeal against the decision to stop my ESA and the decision to declare me fit for work with 6 points. I have since had my ESA reinstated on the assessment rate until it is looked at again.

I have Spinal Stenosis, have had cancer twice, Osteoarthritis, High Blood Pressure and Motor Sensory problems beginning in December of last year whereby I can collapse at a moments notice because my knees give way.

I would love to work I really really would but I simply cannot work and not operation is possible for my back as the surgeons have stated that it is too risky and that I must now take Morphine but the strength has to be adjusted.

If I did not have a husband who works part time as he is ill himself then I would be destitute but we make do on what we can. We pay our rent and other bills and then what ever is left we eat. This whole government reminds me of a dictatorship whereby we have to abide and have no say in the matter. I won’t let this get me down and simply cannot sign on for JSA as I cannot work.:-(

I have just been informed that my ESA is to be stopped following an ATOS joke medical it was more like a game of Simon says can you do this can you do that . I have had a kidney Transplant following two and a half years of Dialysis I worked all through my Dialysis and returned back to work approximately 4 months after Transplantation .Last year I suffered with severe abdominal pain which was diagnosed as Pancreatitus I spent six weeks in hospital and I am still suffering some discomfort. My problem is with the medical how does a game of Simon say determine wether a person is fit for work . I am currently employed and do a very physical job I explained this to the examining Dr along with the medication that I am taking .No consideration was given to this or the side effects such as fatigue or tiredness .I am appealing the decission .

iam a 59 yr old ex coal miner who suffers from osteo of the knees carpal tunnel vwf and lastly c.o.p.d. i have just been for an assesment and was awarded 15 points plus ? ,the benefit cleansers have put me on wra iam appealing against through principle not the money ,i get £45 a week ,i urge every one to forget about taking tablets but to fight this tory led goverment ,i know its gunna be hard for a lot of people but its the only way

Ain’t that the truth the whole system is designed of course to make us worse to degrade us more and to heighten our already fragile health all in all he will of done in quite a % of us by the time he is done a great accolade for any ruler NOT war crimes can come back to haunt you and you better bet someone will take DC for unlawful ??? Against his people and let’s see him squirm out of that one like he did in the Levison enquiry where he was as guilty as the rest and should be on trail like the rest frankly lets hope his time is nearing an end although the alternative having been the instigators of WFR and so on aren’t particularily attractive either a long long period of hardship is undoubtedly about to follow for is all let’s just hope we all have the resolve to keep on going until change happens for the better

I am in the process of appealing against the decision to put me on esa, as i am dissabled andsuffer form chronic pain, i have been told that my esa has been.stopped because i have had mu 365 days of esa and wont get another penny event tho my appeal is now going to the trybunal stage. So i am now living on dla if aroun £89 a month and unless i am going to die within the next six months of cancer i would now be expected to have my husband pay everything for me. I have no dignity left and have been ao upset at this whole thing that i have thought that ending my life would be the only thing left dor me to do. Maybe the government and dwp would notice me then. Is this right, can they stop my benifit, i am desperate and at my whits end, please can u help answer my questions because i cant seem to get anywhere with the dwp. Thank you for reading this and i look forward to ur reply. Anita x

Hi Anita ,I also suffer from chronic pain in my right wrist and arm,in my left arm carpool tunnel which they will not operate .i am appealing also cuz I been on esa for 365 days and didn’t get enough points,this has be going on for months without any money. I have now been given a date for my case.even through I gave in lots of reports from doctors stating I can not work , I am suffering so much from depression to.i let you know how it goes

I have been in touch with DWP about this.
The new reconsideration / appeal rule will not come into effect until October 2013.
You will NOT receive assessment rate ESA during the reconsideration period (which has no statutory limit, and could go on for weeks or months). You will receive it as back pay if 1) DWP decide that you really are not fit for work or 2) allow the appeal to go ahead. The real intention, of course, is to deter claimants from even questioning a DWP decision. You will get paid assessment rate ESA during the appeal itself.
When I asked DWP whether this would mean claimants would have no income at all during the reconsideration period, he replied, ‘They may be able to get JSA, and they have CTB and HB…’
1) JSA – Those who are genuinely ill will not be awarded JSA, because the people are JCP can only give it to those who are able to work and able to LOOK for work. They will tell you to return to your GP, get a new ‘fit note,’ and reapply for ESA. Do this if you can! Eventually, the whole system will grind to a halt and collapse.
2) CTB and HB – DWP are suggesting that you can live on money that is earmarked for paying rent and council tax. You’ll get into arrears with your rent and council tax, but at least you’ll be able to eat.

After being an inpatient at a Mental Health Hospital Iwas on SSP for 5 months before leaving work. Then I was “contributions based” ESA for 6 months before visiting the ATOL specialists. They of course found me fit to work!! As I am still an outpatient with various services and I have my council care worker they appealed on my behalf with evidence from a Qualified Psychiatrist who’s care I am in. My appeal failed and now I have to wait for the Tribunal service. So for the last 6 months (26 weeks) I have lost out on just over £20 a week which when you have access to nothing is so much money!!!!!! How long does it take for my case to be heard?

Also…having no choice to be on Contributions based ESA I cant even get a budgeting loan which would allow me to buy some socks, a coat. things people take for granted which I have not been able to buy for 1 year and 5 months!!

Technically I get moved to “income based” ESA next week – still on my appeal rate!!

Then I have to wait another 6 months before I can even apply for a budgeting loan… so that will be a total of 1 year and 11 months to be able to buy some clothes…

Is that fair??

I had an great job before (and hope to again one day) and paid in lots and lots and Tax and NI… Is this how the system is supposed to work?

hi had my tribunal in july went from 0 points to 27 was placed in the support group was told by job centre i cant claim ESA has i havent paid in enough national insurance for the last 2 years and cant claim income related base cause my husband works full time and we have 2 kids to keep as well .Surely people should be informed off this before its go to tribunal in my case i wasnt I now have my local MP involved but still not getting anywere with them i am hoping to get some were now .

Hi…have read all your comments and I too am scared.I currently get high mob low car!! I work in a job that has been made easier for me but without my car i would not be able to get to work.. I won an appeal 3 yrs ago and got awarded indefinate. My illness is NEVER goinv to get better only stay the same or get worse…i have MS. How stupid was i not photocopying my original claim letter…doh!! Could i get it from them so i just reapply ssying the same things? X

Its pathetic. I left my job last year as I was too depressed to continue. My health was suffering and I kept having thoughts and attempts to kill myself.

I gave myself a serious injury when self harming in September which needed hospital treatment and left me in a bad way. I was given no help or advice on benefits I could get and only recently realised that I could claim ESA for that time.

As a result of things and now being in debt due to having no money since leaving my job, my depression has become worse. Combined with my anxiety, I suffer that bad that I have sleepless nights filled with worry and when I finally sleep have no motivation to get out of bed, I don’t even wash my clothes or cook for myself anymore.

I caused myself serious injury previously, so who knows if it carrys on I could do it again. Even my family hate being here with me as 1 minute i’m ok to them, then I just turn horrid.

My anxiety makes things worse because when having assessments and interviews, I am really nervous and feel ill so I will just try and get out of them as soon as possible to go back into my comfort zone of being alone.

Its going to be a really tough cycle because already they are going to believe I am fit to work. Then its going to be assessments and things to check up on me, when I am really bad with having to deal with people.

I’m desperate to find out where i stand. I am claiming for the first time and have had to send my case to appeal and i have been told it will be a face to face. That is fine but i have a 8 to 10 week wait which will take me into the new year but should happen before the changes from DLA to PIP in April. does that mean i’m claiming DLA to then have to have it reviewed and changed again to PIP if I am successful? I’ve suffered for 14 years with spinal problems had surgery, after returning to work things over the years have only got worse and thought i’m right to claim but its making my health worse with all the worry of changes and to even if i’m going to get it. these changes are right in one way as it will stop people claiming that shouldn’t be but not fare on people like me that have done everything this dame government has told me to do and now i cant even walk and no surgery is possible. it’s bloody crazy.

l have a personality disorder when kept out of stress l am ok but when under stress l become a danger to myself and others at the moment l get D.L.A. and E.S.A support group but l fear when l am recalled by atos and have to renew my claim for D.L.A l will lose both benefits what can l do l do not have a carer as l go to a challenging behavior rehabilitation clinic and this means l can not work with anybody from the N.H.S l know when the new rules come in for the premiums l stand to lose £200 a month but what do l do when l lose my benefits all together J.S.A will put me under stress no money no family for support this is a worrying time David Cameron you really have not thought this through l have been in prison before due to stress related problem and when l got out l swore if l ever had to go back l would end my life l can see this happening in 2013 so thank you Mr

I went to court for not reporting a change in circumstances they stopped my DLA care and motobility i have tried to re – apply but the turned me down based on the evidence of the DWP fraud office. i thought once i went to court and was found guilty they could not bring it up again

after reading that outragous 100% agree uve got to fight fight everything everyboby went 2 cab about appeal yolk said sigh off with dr back on to jsa when got job put donation in box bloody cheek slippd disc degenerative spinal condition sciaticia lambago bn signed of by 7 drs plus back consultant physio
cameron you have my life pal any day again keep fighting 1 and all kind regards rick

you can’t physically cook of follow istructions to cook a meal = low rate care this may be rejected because “you can sit down from time to time” but the criteria states a “varied diet” so if you need to use knives or other utensils that could put you at risk you can appeal that also if you need supervision or guidance you can appeal on those grounds
remember Guidance/support can be either physical or emotional also the phrase “watching over” can be used in this context for middle rate care it’s usually for a sustantial abount of the day things such as
prompting for self grooming or making sure any medication needs monitoring etc. for high rate care it usually needs someone to be an almost constant source of support OR on regular occasions needs to be awake at night on avaerage 20 mins or more in an hour to make sure you are ok

Care component for physical issues are a different matter

Get a letter from your GP or anyone who has provided any support to you

What really gets me here is not only the abhorrent cruelty of the government but it’s also the apathy of the people. There is something seriously wrong with society if they take to the streets over a film that says something mean about religion yet they won’t protest for the people who in a lot of cases won’t have any means of protesting for themselves….

well we might as well lay down as once they take away your benefit they can hold you up indefinent how nice we all go quietly through hunger and no foor over ones head lovely they beat the nazi party hands down for this one jeff3

The problem is that the “consultation”, like all government consultations, is merely a formality to give the illusion of the democratic process. We are in a pure fascist system now, with identical corporate parties. There is no point in deluding yourself, as I have myself for a long time, into thinking otherwise. The question is how to remove it since there is no availability for the fascism to be altered through normal democratic means.

This is a really good point. They already reconsider decisions before starting an appeal – it’s done automatically. This new way actually increases paperwork, correspondence and manpower, as people have to arrange a reconsideration then arrange an appeal – rather than just the one lot of correspondence. It’s actually making the system more complex and wasteful.

The really dodgy bit is that people currently have to submit an appeal within one month of the “fit for work” decision. Hence many people simply submitting an appeal (with automatic reconsideration) rather than asking for a reconsideration first and not getting a response in time to appeal.
So are they going to increase the time limit on submitting an appeal? Or simply exclude everyone from appealing when their reconsiderations come back too late?

It is also a dirty trick to make people sign on to JSA or have no income. People will basically be forced (on threat of homelessness, starvation etc) to make a claim for JSA where they have to sign documents stating they are fit and willing to work full-time.
Then they are in the position of either (a) losing their appeal as they have declared themselves ‘fit to work’, or (b) facing penalties for falsely claiming jobseeker’s allowance when unable to work. Either way, they can then be done for benefit fraud and sanctioned of any benefits for years.
It’s sick and twisted.

I think in fact there just won’t ever actually be any reconsiderations. You die quickly from having no ESA or JSA or you die slowly from being sanctioned on JSA. I’d think that’s the plan. If they can’t profit from you, they have no use for you. Remember there was a tv show about farming on a while back, there was a bit of an outcry cos they just shot perfectly healthy young foals right after they were born as they had no use for them? That’s us, that is. That’s who we are. We were herded off the common lands where we lived centuries ago into towns where we had to work in their factories to earn a living so they could make a profit. Now there’s no need for us. Like the foals, we’re excess stock and they’re getting rid of us starting with the weakest first. We’re entering a terrible phase in history. Many won’t survive.

People are winning their appeals, so what does this government do? They try to put people off appealling by making the process more frustrating.

I used to feel quite stressed out and despondent about the ESA process. Now I just find it annoying. All I seem to be doing is fighting, instead of focusing on getting better and getting back to work. Oh well, if I’m going to suffer ‘death by ESA’, I might as well die fighting.

Yes- it has happened to both my claims, both ESA and DLA. They insist on a “revision” first, even though, as my advocacy worker informed me, there is next to no chance of securing a different decision, so that you have to then go to Appeal. A complete bloody waste of time and very frustrating. I am now in for a long wait for 2 Appeals after waiting ages for the damn revisions!

“Currently, a claimant appealing against a decision that they do not have a limited capability of work is able to continue to receive ESA at the assessment phase rate pending the outcome of their appeal. However, if the ESA Regulations are not amended, the position would be that claimants would have to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).” Well that really makes sense…not! Why would they make you claim JSA instead? its the same amount as ESA at the assessment phase. This really is a case of being bullied and harassed into work regardless of your health. In what way will this help the country get back on its feet. The Condems really are a bunch of Bully boy thugs, their Mothers must be so proud!

I agree Emma! I wonder what would happen if all of us who were refused ESA actually went on JSA and then couldn’t keep up with appointments or work-related slavery crap? Could this mess up the system? At least it would mean getting a bit of money for a while. What would it mean legally for the claimant?

I have been told by cab that if you tried to claim jsa while appealing , they could refuse as you are not fit to do 40 hours a week !!! I am appealing and have to phone dwp to ask to claim esa assesment rate but do not know what will happen if they do not give it me. Another trip to cab..

My story in brief, ESA stopped, appeal failed, judge refused new medical evidence, told to apply for JSA, told to keep quite about health, got a job, collapsed after 3 days stressed out and full of Tramadol,lost job and driving licence for 12 months, ESA refused as I had not paid enough NI in last 12 months. Get nothing now.There must be a criminal law against what they are doing to people.

More or less the same for me Bill. At the JSA stage, I was so stressed out, I couldnt cope with it all physically or mentally, I got so depressed again and my blood pressure shot up to 197/95. Saw my Dr, who immediately gave me a sick note, which I handed to the jobcentre and they closed my claim ther e and then. PANIC. I had to live on something. So I reapplied for ESA, got a letter to say I will receive it from 15th Aug, its now 27th Sept and I have received…..A BIG FAT NOTHING as yet.They are still stalling it with paperwork.” Uhh hello, person with incurable illness that cant work, starving here”. Im sick of the whole thing. So far Ive had my family to help, but I cant keep asking them. Im not their responsibility. Not my fault Im sick? disabled. Cameron is welcome to my life if he wants it.

Another silly rule is that if you are one of the few placed in the WRAC ESA yet bot you your doctors and any advocate feel you should be in the support group and you appeal the decision, you still have to attend the Work related activities!!! so what happens if you have a turn for the worst at one of these work activity sessions who is to be held account? I did an appeal for one lady who had had a stroke and was paraylsed down her entire R side and based on the assessment from Atos stating “no upper body disability” was placed on WRAC. If something similar this happens appeal due to incorrect information given by the assessor and complain to Atos in leeds, if

Bill (21 sept) the main causes to refuse medical evidence either the dates are not relevant to the time of the initial claim or is not relevant to the medical condition ESA is being claimed for or it was presented to the tribunal on the day of the hearing and they do have the right to do that but if any evidence was sent in good time (usually 4 weeks before hearing) it should be allowed if not you can appeal to the upper tribunal which unfortunately means writing to the 1st tribunal to ask for a written statement of reasons and why you wish to appeal their decison. You can see either CAB or take legal advice for this you have 1 month from their decision but it must be an error in law so it all depends on when they got your extra information

Emma, when you appeal you should be given the choice of either remaining on ESA at the assessment rate or claiming JSA
if you decide JSA you have to abide by the JSA conditions regarding looking for work also if you win the appeal you get no higher backdated award

I hear a lot of DWP advisers have told claimants they have to claim JSA when appealing this is wrong!! it is for 2 main reasons this is done
1. false representation of unemeployment/sickness statistics
2. ESA administration is a total shambles and not fit for purpose ( and it was just as bad under Labour)

It depends on how much stress people can cope with I also believe the percentage of sucessful appeals is a great deal higher than the 40% we are told, my record before being laid off by CAB was 80%

The DWP is already implementing a version of this revision. I had my medical in March and was informed in April that ATOS had decided that I was fit for work. I was told this by phone and told that my money stopped that day. I could sign on for JSA or appeal and I told them that I wanted to appeal. I was without money for five weeks while the DWP sent the papers to an adjudicator to decide whether I could appeal or not. It was only with the intervention of my MP that I received any money – and a letter to say that I could appeal but would be on assessment rate until then. I have my appeal at the end of November but dont hold out much hope of winning! At least the Nazis got rid of their disabled quickly unlike this govt who are going to kill us all slowly and painfully!

Thanks for this- Please try and take someone with you as representation at appeal ( e.g from CAB, welfare rights or a disabled peoples’ user-led organisation) We know that with representation 70% of appeals win

Please also prepare. I lost my first DLA appeal, because ‘my’ representative ‘expert’ did not prepare a case.
I won my second, because I based my own case in line with DWP case argument. I also prepared a 2 page ‘speech’ (4 minutes), which condensed my whole case.

The speech meant the panel got to hear my points (I gave them copies to follow), In case they’d missed anything before. It also meant they couldn’t dive straight in with their (intense) questioning.
Result? High mobility and middle care backdated two years. Most important? My carer can now claim his national insurance stamps, so at least he will get a pension when I am gone.

Hi May,
Where did you find DWP case argument? My community legal service advisor has been hopless & I have been waiting to hear about CAB for over two months now …so have to do it myself
Thanks for your help
Alex

You should be aware that although c.a.b support workers are able to help from the off and put your case together for you, they are not able to attend the hearing due to no funds!!!!!!!!!
After spending 364 days to date preparing for hearing with cab support worker, i was only informed of her not being able to represent for me 2wks prior of hearing! Huge shock. But didn’t matter after all. My hearing was yesterday and 5 mins before i arrived i got a call from cab telling me not to turn up at court as my hearing had been cancelled???
Amazing & unbelievably…….
No1 must have deemed it neccessary to ensure that the doctor on my panel wasn’t my own??!!!!!! So had 2 be cancelled! I’ve no idea of when or how much longer a wait? I have gone thru + am still going thru hell since start of aug 2012! Just, only just managed 2 argue repo order into being suspended due to council/ benefits stopping, starting, 3 times. Have been destitute last 6mths, wouldn’t keep a dog in condition i’ve been put in! And still it continues! Oh yeah i lost my mum last wk also and had to prepare ev for hearing. Worried to the point of serious ill health, no sleep for 4 days, trying to stop grieving thinking it would keep me from cracking up completely and get me thru my hearing and u know the rest. Sorry for long reply. Hope anything i’ve put may help sum1:(

hi i worked construction 4 many years bn self employed for over 30 odd yrs with exception off job b4 last paid 40 % tax for all of 80s for wot constitutes a reasonable lifestyle then when i had accident at work things changed goverment tried 2 get out off paying lcfw allowance stressful not the word id had to near enough clean me bank account out 2 below £6 000 b4 terd pay anything in benefits rent poll tax ect people in construction near enough built this country that how govenments repay hard working contractorsin this country shambles but tell you how i realy think would contain to many explesives
good luck every 1 dont consider the pills route sound people thats what they want death by installments keith they have won take on board what ever1 has said

I’m saving up my pills. I’m not going to play their nasty game and submit to being ground down and ground down until I can’t take it any more. I expect benefit changes to affect me from next year, and if I am not treated with the respect I deserve, that’ll be a sign for me to check out. If I have enough money in my account I will arrange for a headstone that reads “Fuck Cameron”, and people in the future can google to find out how the Nazis came back in 21st-century Britain.

So sorry to read comments of desperation….I am in same boat but would not receive much JSA as I receive a small pension from service( I read JSA will be or is means tested ) We need to attack, attack and attack again….in the courts, in Europe , we need to change the whole system in a lawful manner. I worked for 38 years and was a member of a trade union, as did many of other disabled people, so why cant the Unions support us now ? The Unions have nominated or friendly MPs within the Labour Party whom they could contact for support . The Liberals are looking for friends and causes, lets get them on our side and they are all in Bright

Ohh Keith, I feel so sad when I read comments like yours, because I have done exactly the same with the pills. But if we’re not here to fight, Cameron’s won, the twisted, nasty, heartless little turd. Makes me wonder where its going to end tho.Hasnt he done enough damage?? Hang in there mate, we need you.

I too, am saving up my pills. I have nothing to live for anymore. I am on DLA as I have both physical and mental health issues. I never thought I would see the day when a British Government – those who are supposed to serve the WHOLE of the country – and not just the idle rich – would become extreme right wing. Because that is exactly what they are. They are lizards, reptiles who can not be trusted. The whole lot of them have never had power before in their lives, and they never will again, after this. But they are making damn sure that decent law-abiding people, who just want the benefits that they are entitled too – benefits that they have WORKED FOR – suffer like never before.

How Clegg can go along with this is beyond belief. And, I did hear that some who are Conservatives have very grave worries about the cuts in housing benefits and the bedroom tax especially.

Only problem is that they are too afraid to speak out for fear of being admonished by the Tory leaders. I may be long gone before it happens, but there needs to be a major mass movement against this power-crazy bunch of public schoolboy multimillionaires, and get them OUT through a vote of NO CONFIDENCE!

Hang on in there Wayne.Don,t risk missing the day when Cameron, Glegg , Duncan (doughnut) Smith and their DWP and ATOS chums squirm, red faced in front of an Independant Enquiry. A long overdue enquiry that will reduce them and their policies to historys rubbish bin and bring justice to all those who have suffered as a result.

i have to cancel my appointment for atos for the second time and they said if i donot attend my benefits would stop… I will kill myself soon and leave my beautiful daughters. i have had enough.. i cant say how shit i feel about my body that lets me down so much my daughter has become my nurse and when they stop my benifits i wont be able to to get my kids to school as i have to get a taxi.. im also going to be put out my house as they wont pay for extra room for carer .. THEY MAKE ME FEEL LIKE A BEGGER … I CAN NOT DO THIS ANYMORE IVE EXHUASTED ALL THE HELP AND THEIR IS NONE EVEN THE DOCTOR SAY HE CANT GET INVOLVED FUCK THIS MY POOR GIRLS THEY ARE SO GIFTED ONE OFF MY KIDS IS AN AMAZING PIANO PLAYER TEACHER SAYS SHE IS GIFTED CHILD .MY OTHER DAUGHTER IS SO ATHLETECE AND COULD DO ANYTHING IN SPORTS OR DRAMA,DANCE.. THEIR TALENTS ARE LIMITLESS. I HAVE NO JOY LEFT IN MY HEART THE MISERY AND PAIN IS TOO MUCH

ive been on sick for 14 years last 5 changed over to esa which ive had medicals from 1998 and alwys scored 15 points june 2013 wnr for esa medical with letters of support and up to date sicknotes got letter turned down still being paid 31 pound sick moneysince june done 2 appeals which made me more ill with syicatica and manic depreesion and artristus in both thumbs,have anxiety pannack attacks too in august got letter took off esa and they told me I cant appeal again this lead to me taking overdose in bathroom found of floor with no pulse brought bk to life after this I got another letter to put in new chaim for jsa if I don’t I wont get any money and yet ive done without for 3 weeks and only for having 2 girls I wouldn’t claim jsa so not got to go this Tuesday and I just wish I could never wake up!!!!!

I’m so sorry to hear your problems and hope you won’t try to
kill yourself again whatever happens. You need to get advice from CAB or
if not able to get there try Disability Online who have advice available
on-line or by phone.

The law has changed again and you now have to ask for a mandatory
reconsideration of your case before you can appeal. The catch though is
that while it’s being considered you can’t get any money unless you
claim JSA ( which of course they can interpret as you being fit for
work). I think you probly need to claim JSA unless you have some
relatives who could keep you for a while.

The way you appeal if your reconsideration isn’t sucessful has also
changed and you have to lodge it yourself with the Tribunal Service.

Be strong Keith, I am not writing this for me but for you, have faith. I lost my job last-year not many of the twats I worked with stood up for me, the place has now gone bust and they are all out of a job, justice comes in many forms if you have FAITH. That stinking pile of horse manure Cameron will get what’s coming to him trust faith and boy we will then not laugh because we are better. If you took those pills do you really think a sorry arse of a human being like Cameron ……and the other would know or even care. Please look after yourself.

Is this true. I have only just read this. My assessment is this week so my appeal would be in March. Are you saying that I will be left with no money? I have debts and payments going out of my bank each month. I am very worried about this.